All you need to know about Ultrasun...

I'm very confused about Ultrasun products. If I apply SPF20, I understand that I have protection for 20x5=100 minutes (assuming that I burn after 5 minutes without protection). On that basis, do I need to re-apply it or do I still have protection only applying it ONCE a day? 

If that is the case, why have different SPFs, if, irrespective of your burning time, you have full protection all day long?

Alison: There's only one way of measuring SPFs and that's about to become easier to do. At the moment there isn't a test that measures an SPF differently between an all-day product and a re-application one.

The Ultrasun SPF20 is a once-a-day application, as it states on the packaging. This formula sets into the skin in a way that can't be removed by sweat, heat, water, or salt. This has been tested by three independent laboratories, as well as by Ultrasun, to actually last all day on the skin. This testing has been recognised by Unikem and by medical professionals as well. In higher SPFs it can be requested on prescription for serious skincare conditions.

For white spots around the eyes...

I'm 22 years old and have Asian skin. I have small white spots under my eyes and leading to the corners as well. I try to drink as much water as possible and have stopped using eye creams and avoid using my face cream around the eye area, yet they still have not reduced. Could you please help me?

Alison: These white spots are called milia and can occur due to medical stress or dietary habits - they aren't always caused by an overload of cosmetic products, which people often assume. So, it's worth mentioning them to your doctor. It's great that you're drinking lots of water and following a balanced diet is also crucial. Sometimes a diet too high in acid, such as citrus fruits, or too high in bad fats can also cause these spots.

I would recommend for you, especially with your Asian skin as you may have a little darkness in that area as well, the Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex. This contains hibiscus flower extract for an exfoliating action that should help to lessen any build-up or congestion around this area. It's also a gel formula, so it shouldn't cause any more of these white spots.

There are ways of having milia removed too but it doesn't sound like you're at that stage yet, especially as they may just be caused by your diet or state of health. 

Decleor TSV - I may explode with excitement!

Hi everyone,

Can you tell that I'm a little bit excited about this Sunday's (26th July) Decleor Today's Special Value item? I've been losing sleep about it!

For me, the most exciting product is the full size Hyrda Floral Anti-Pollution Cream, which we sell on its own at about £36, and this Decleor set has a TSV price of about £36! What a bargain! 

This is the new formula of the Hydra Floral Anti-Pollution Cream, which we're launching on QVC with this TSV set. It will last even longer than the old formula - I had a sneak peek at it and found it to be even more hydrating as well.

You need less making it more economical to use. This will add instant real freshness, brightness and hydration back into your skin. It's particularly great when your skin is suffering from tiredness, and it's lightweight, so make-up will go on top easily.

Anyone can use it - myself and Fiona keep going back to it after trying other moisturisers. It's like that favourite black dress, it works, and just got better!

For sore and dry lips...

I use lip stains so that I don't have to keep applying my lipstick. However, recently I've developed really sore and very dry lips. I keep them as moist as I can with a moisturiser that I purchased from QVC, which does help. But it's getting no better and I wondered if you could recommend any product to help further with this please?

Alison: All lip stains, to a certain extent, have a drying agent in them as they aren't carried in a waxy residue. So, you're right to have stopped using them for the moment and it's great that you've been using a moisturiser as well.

One thing that could have more of a calming and soothing effect at the moment on the lip area is the L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter Moisturiser. This product contains 100% shea butter and is fantastic used on a daily basis, several times a day if you feel you need it.

Stay off the lip stains for now because we need to get your lips back into good condition before you start using them again. Lip stains will replace lost colour or add pigment but they don't condition. So, when you start using them again, keep applying a daily lip balm, such as Gale Hayman Lip Lift on top of this. Or you can even apply a lipgloss on top of this as well, such as one from the Fran Wilson range which all contain shea butter, as well as vitamins A, C and E, and aloe vera,

For large open pores...

I need help with large open pores between my breasts and down the centre of my back. Is there any way to reduce the appearance of very large open pores in this area? When the skin is pushed together, it looks crepey which I don't think should be happening as I'm in my early 30s. I had an allergic reaction to the Alpha H range so would prefer to stay clear.

Alison: You should definitely try using the ABC Skinwash in case the pores are caused by a skin infection - this is an anti-septic wash that can help to neutralise any bacteria in this area.

You can also get open pores in these areas if you naturally perspire more than others. So, I'd suggest making sure that you aren't using too strong an anti-perspirant underneath your arms. What can happen is that if the perspiration cannot get out under your arms, it may find somewhere else to come out - so spotty chests and backs are often a symptom of this.

Even though you have open pores, remember that a body moisturiser is still essential. The one I'd recommend that would help to reduce the look of these pores is SBC Collagen Gel. Apply this two-three times a day or just a thick mask-type layer once a day (that you can leave to sink in when you're brushing your teeth or getting ready etc) to help plump up the skin in this area. Plumping up this area will help to close the pores up as they tend to widen when the skin is dehydrated or infected.

My top three Beauty Day bargains

It's that fabulous time of year again when we all deserve a little extra pampering - it's Beauty Day! 

Because you shouldn't have to splash all your cash to look great, I've picked out my top three best-priced items of the day...

1. Leighton Denny 4 Piece Hollywood Collection

'Bikini colours' with a bonus crystal nail file

Basically, for the price of the three varnishes you get a crystal nail file as a bonus! With this crystal nail file, you just can't file your nails wrong!

With an emery board, it's difficult to get the right grade of grit for your nails and you also need to file in a certain direction, which can be a bit of a faff and take more time. With the crystal nail file there's no chance of creating splits in the nail - which you can do with an emery board.

Don't miss Beauty Day tomorrow!

This Beauty Day is all about reassessing your look and inspiring you to try new things.

You can learn new techniques and application tricks from the experts. Whatever you were doing last summer, last year or five years ago is now out of date so it's time to make a change! You can make sure your skincare routine is right for your age and that you also have the right look for now.

So tune in all day long to discover how to change your look. You may even be inspired to change your wardrobe or jewellery style. Whatever you do, don't be afraid to try something new!

Plus, check my Beauty Bible tomorrow for three best-priced items on the day!

On reducing the look of a scar from thyroid surgery...

I'm due to undergo surgery on the base of my neck on my thyroid. Apart from fears of surgery, I'm sad to know I will have a visible scar. I already have my Bio Oil and Gel Prolagene ready and have upped my regime to get my skin into tip top condition. Do you have any tips on aftercare to minimise the effects of the scar? I'm seriously considering backing out of the op so as not to have the scar.

Alison: You must definitely go ahead with the surgery - it's a medical necessity and very important!

The good news though is that the scar created from this type of surgery is very common and can often heal up so you can't even see it. Nowadays, surgeons are very considerate to the effects of an open scar and they will try to put it into a natural crease line. The scar is cut horizontally so you won't notice it as much as you get older and more lines and creases start to develop here. It will also just be a single line which doesn't have any cross stitching as it's internally stitched and is about a quarter of the size of a single stretch mark.

The best summer holiday beauty buys

The summer is well and truly here so I thought I'd pick out a few of my favourite essentials to keep your skin protected and looking gorgeous in the sunshine...

The best moisturiser for use on flights

Prescriptives Super Flight Cream

This is a great product for skin that gets dehydrated on long flights. You can use it as a daily moisturiser twice a day or even as a mask to keep on throughout your flight. Plus, you can wear it over or under your make-up so it won't stop you from looking your best!

This Prescriptives moisturiser is also great for use in hot countries as it will keep your skin hydrated without sweating off.

It's important to keep your lips and hands hydrated on long flights too so I recommend Gale Hayman Lip Lift and L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream. 

For dry, red and scaly skin around the nose...

I would like to ask for your help. I have dry, red, scaly skin around my nose. I buy a lot of products from QVC but nothing seems to have worked.  Could you please help?

Alison: Firstly, you may not be seeing a result if you follow a complicated routine or have tried a lot of different beauty products. So, I recommend going for the opposite and using a very simple routine.

Use L'Occitane 100% Shea Butter to clean the area and keep it hydrated. If your skin is dry because of an allergy or skin irritation, then this product should answer all your concerns. Any skin can react to the application of too many ingredients.

However, if your skin is flaky and eczema-like, you should follow a routine for sensitive skin. Cleanse and tone the area with Elemis S.O.S Cream at night and Daily Redness Relief in the morning. If you don't suffer from an infection and your skin needs conditioning, then this is a better routine for you. However, if your skin is angry, go for the L'Occitane Shea Butter. Simple!